When it gets warmer, your closet isn’t the only thing that needs a change—your nails are too. Which hot summer nail styles should you really try in 2025? Should we choose neon colors or try out art in almond shapes? Is your nail style simple and short or do you prefer the drama of long acrylics? You’ll find a mix of old-school styles, bright colors and boldness in this season. I’ll take you through the best designs from 2025, one style at a time.
Electric Blue with a Freckled Twist
The first thing I noticed was this rich blue—it’s confident, summery and really reminds me of a Friday spent by the pool. The base is shiny and bright and the tiny dots on each nail make them look a bit like stars in the sky. The almond shape adds elegance to the design, making the fun speckling look a little more refined. The look of this design is effortless and always comes out on top.
To recreate this mani, you’ll need a punchy blue gel polish—try OPI’s “Music is My Muse” or Lights Lacquer’s “As If!” for a similar tone. Nail artists commonly use a black dotting gel or a semi-dry sponge for those small speckles. The magic is in the controlled chaos—don’t overthink it.
A tip I got from a nearby nail professional? If you’re doing it with gel, start by applying blue and then cure it. After that, dip a small straw into black polish and blow some splatter onto the nail to get the scattered effect, then finish it off with a super shiny top coat. Messy, fun, and surprisingly satisfying.
I think this outfit looks like something you’d see on the streets but in a more wearable way. You can look neutral all over and still make an impression with your nails. If you’re not into full-on prints in your outfit, this is a chic way to show some personality. Minimal effort, maximum payoff.
Botanical Ombre with a Leaf Accent
If you ever saw neon colors in the forest, this is what you’d find. The ombre effect in this manicure takes you from a soft green to almost-black, making it both fresh and steady. But the accent nail is what really stands out—it’s a creamy neutral with a fine black leaf pattern. It’s nature-inspired but still punchy. The shapes are still almond, but seem sharper—like you’re serious but also picked flowers today.
If you want a gradation, I suggest using Beetles Gel Polish Set in Jungle Garden. A makeup sponge or an ombre brush helps you blend two colors smoothly. The leaf? If you can draw, just go for it or use a nail stamp or decal if you’re not artistic. I won’t judge.
To have it fit your home, start with a nude or light beige background and then use a sponge to add the green to black gradient. After it dries, add the botanical details by using either a fine nail brush or a stamping kit from Maniology. Make sure to end with a strong top coat to keep your nails looking great for longer.
At a late summer wedding, I wore something similar to this and got more compliments than the bride’s cousin in sequins. True story. It adds a touch of mystery, a touch of art and looks great whether you’re wearing sandals or stacked silver rings with a black midi dress.
Sunbeam Ombre with Crystal Contours
Sunlight given a designer would look just like this manicure. A beautiful ombre from golden yellow to soft peachy pink is found at the top, with a delicate line of mini rhinestones along the cuticles. It’s a bright style that reminds us of summer nail colors for 2025 and it’s also luxurious. And yes, they’re long and pointed—classic acrylic power moves.
If you’re trying this yourself, you’ll want a good fade—from Modelones “Lemon Juice” into OPI’s “Bubble Bath”. And those rhinestones? Even the smallest ones from Swarovski or Born Pretty are amazing. Press them on the wet top coat as soon as you can and gently.
Celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik advised me to always top off the rhinestones with an additional coat of topcoat. Then add a non-wipe top coat for an extra shine—it’ll give your nails a salon-fresh look.
Sipping cold brew on your balcony can make you feel like you’re on vacation. I’d take this out on a girls’ vacation or for a bright and sunny photoshoot. It’s summer glam without being over-the-top.
Lime Pop Meets Graphic Art
This set is unapologetically loud—and I love it. It’s a mix of neon club lights and early 2000s swirl art, in a way that’s really cool. A single hand-painted nail stands out and the rest of the nails are painted with lime neon polish that makes a statement and holds it. The square design helps it look fresh, clean and a bit like the early 2000s.
I think Color Club’s “Feelin’ Myself” could give you that electric effect. As for the swirl? At this point, you’re free to try out color blocking or abstract designs using striping brushes or a nail pen. Think highlighter art, but chic.
My method last month was to apply two layers of lime gel, then use a dotting tool and neon pink gel to make freeform waves on just one nail on each hand. Cured it, then topped everything off. It’s important to start with a good base coat to prevent any unevenness.
These scream pool party. They’re sure of themselves, they’re funny and most importantly, they don’t get too serious. You can match your sunglasses to your outfit and there’s no reason not to.
Highlighter Duel: Pink & Yellow Clash
If you’re not ready for bold colors, this summer nail look isn’t for you. Using neon pink and neon yellow, each nail is separated down the middle with a bold and confronting design. The design is accurate, the colors are bold and the square shape gives this look a recent style shoot feel.
You’re probably better off getting a set like this done professionally, unless you are skilled with a liner brush and your main hand. I’d recommend Madam Glam’s “Perfect Yellow” and “Soak Up the Sun” for that saturated payoff. Use nail tape to cover the lines you don’t want to fill in before you paint.
Even those who paint professionally advise using a ridge-filling base coat with neons, as it helps the polish look smoother and avoids that strange texture. According to Elle Gerstein, who works on nails for stars like Blake Lively, a precise cuticle clean-up is necessary to make loud nail looks really pop.
It’s a style that calls for a mirror selfie. If you’re going to go bold, summer’s the time. A plain outfit is all you need so the nails can draw attention.
Fiery Contrast in Red and Orange
The design here is made by mixing bold red and orange which meet in geometric angles on a square nail. Because of the gloss, the colors look richer and give the nails a fiery, tropical-urban feel. It’s powerful, trendy and gives off a vibe like a power lunch on the beach. L.A.’s rooftop sunset drinks are exactly what 2025 is about.
You’ll want a highly pigmented red like OPI’s “Big Apple Red” paired with a neon orange—Gelish “Orange Smoothie” hits the mark. Cut the tape diagonally with striping tape and then layer the colors after that. Finish off your nails with a top coat that gives them an intense shine and Seche Vite is always a good choice.
Because the lines are so clean, it’s important to take your time taping and curing the design. My tip? Paint the orange, let it cure and then use the tape and paint the red. Thanks to this, you won’t have to worry about bleeding or cleaning up after you finish your makeup.
This one gives me confidence every time. I wore something similar to it for a friend’s launch party in July and felt I could sell anything, even on bumpy cobblestone in heels. It’s classy with edge.
Blue Swirls and Candy Waves
This year, blue keeps going strong—and these earrings add fun, wavy lines in pink, white and sky blue to give a sweet, nostalgic look. It’s giving candy shop meets coastal surfboard chic. The almond shape ensures the watch stays elegant and the matte finish makes it seem very modern. It’s nicely designed, but not too much so and it looks great with jeans and dreams.
To get that bold blue, I recommend Lights Lacquer’s “Blue Moon”. You’ll require a fine detail brush and a little patience when creating wavy accent art. A liner gel in white and neon pink—like Le Mini Macaron’s “Macaron Pink”—lets you create those dreamy ribbons.
Use a nail at a time, first base it with blue, allow it to cure, then freehand the wave patterns using different colors. If you’re worried about making your lines straight, try flipping your brush and drawing with it turned sideways. How you do it doesn’t matter—it’s meant to feel like you’re dancing.
I did this set before a summer concert and someone actually wondered if I had teamed up with a brand. The vibe is very intentional without being fussy. If you appreciate compliments from people you don’t know, you’ll love this one.
Purple Marble Lightning
This set is shockingly chic. The base of this marble is a rich purple, with sharp white veins running through it. The effect appears light and modern, as if a thunderstorm was happening on top of lavender clouds. The almond shape makes this design more elegant, so it’s a preferred choice for anyone looking for eye-catching hot summer nail art.
You can try Essie’s “Play Date” or Olive & June’s “Yes Please” for that saturated purple. You can make lightning streaks by dipping a striping brush in white polish—or use the dry brush technique to create lighter, uneven lines.
Marble nails are most attractive when you’re a bit messy. Don’t worry about being perfect—use a brush with white paint, then lightly brush it over the dried base while twisting your wrist. Apply a top coat of jelly to the nails to create shading that helps the contrast stand out.
I’d put this outfit on for a meeting with other creatives or for a brunch with my most fashionable friends. It’s stylish, clear and gives your hands a way to share their stories.
Watermelon Sugar Chrome
The look is softest at the cuticle, showing a blush color and turns into a bright watermelon neon at the tips. All the colors of this hair are woven flawlessly and the high shine accessorizes it beautifully. It has length, it has a point and it’s sharp where it should be. Summer 2025 just called—it said: go brighter.
To achieve this look, use a neutral pink base like OPI’s “Bubble Bath”, then fade into a neon pink like Kiara Sky’s “Barbie Kisses”. A makeup sponge helps you get the best effect, so gently dab the gradient to create the fade, let it dry and repeat.
I’ve noticed that Chaun Legend and others, use airbrush kits to achieve this, but you can also do it by layering your paints. Put a bit of neon on the tip to make your nails look neater and apply top coat every few days to protect and keep them shiny.
When I want to imagine I’m on a yacht, even while shopping at Target, this is what I wear. The shape, the color—it’s energy. Pure summer joy with a side of sass.
Confetti Dots on Neon Shorties
At times, you want to enjoy many different flavors and this playful set makes that easy. Very short, square and painted in bright colors, from pink to blue to lime, each nail has black speckles like confetti or ice cream on them. It’s a breeze to take care of and always fun, easy to wear and totally fashionable.
You can mix and match colors from the Holo Taco “Electric Rainbow” collection or even use Color Club’s “Pop Chalks”. For the speckled effect, some nail polishes now come with built-in dotting (like ILNP’s “Eggnog” speckle series), or you can use a detail brush and dot on black polish.
There isn’t just one way—paint all the base colors, cure and then add black dots randomly. Keep it imperfect; that’s the charm. A matte finish gives the nails a chalky-candy effect, but glossy nails resemble jelly beans.
This set just screams “vacation mode.” I put on a similar swimsuit for a week at the beach and didn’t have to deal with chips or regrowth. It’s happy, easy on the wallet and looks great with an iced coffee or popsicle in it.
Pastel Swirls and Bubblegum Dreams
There’s something sweet and airy about this combo of soft pink, sparkly blue, and a dreamy swirl accent nail that pulls everything together. The shape of the almond is both fun and finished, like cotton candy but with a Parisian touch. This swirl print introduces some retro designs and highlights the energy of 2025, all the while staying comfortable and relaxed due to the pastel tones.
To recreate this look, reach for Orly’s “Confetti” and Cirque Colors “Sky High”, which have that sheer sparkle. For the swirl, you’ll need a striping brush and shades of pale blue, pink, and white—swirl while wet with a toothpick or a fine dotting tool to get that marble ripple.
I didn’t believe I’d like pastels again, but this made me imagine I was enjoying a lemonade on a Miami rooftop. It’s delicate but never boring—and honestly, people will stop and ask where you got them done.
Neon Pink Waves with Gold Dust Glam
If Barbie was on a summer yacht, this would be the manicure she’d choose. A strong pink neon base is topped by nude and a line of golden gems curves along the gradient’s shape. The layout adds to the length and grace of the almond shape, so the look becomes more impressive. It’s bold, rich, and dripping in sun-soaked glam.
If you’re looking for a very bright pop, try Kiara Sky’s “After Party Pink.” You can stick the crystals on top of your cured nails using either Swarovski Pixie Dust or flat-backed stones from Born Pretty. A thin glitter polish or gold foil can also help trace the swoop line if you’re skipping gems.
One trick I love? Press the gems into place with a thin silicone tool dipped in top coat before you cure them. It gives better grip and spacing without glue mess. Taking your time is important and it will reward you.
I was wearing something similar to a beach dinner and the evening light hit the gold bits just right. Magic. These nails feel luxe and flirty all at once.
Avocado Pop Art on Neon Almonds
Here, you’ll find bright colors paired with a strong sense of humor. Bright chartreuse neon covers the nails like electric paint and two of them have an avocado design, complete with dotted details that make the set look like it’s from a comic book. The oval shape makes the design more feminine, while keeping the overall look playful.
This design really calls for “Yellin’ Yellow” by Color Club and for the art, use gel liners in brown, green and white. Precision is one of the reasons nail artists prefer The GelBottle’s Art Gel Pot line. You can sketch out your shape first in pencil on the cured base if you’re nervous to go in freehand.
I’ve seen artists like Nail Sunny do fruit art with a hyperreal twist, but this simplified pop style is more wearable and cheerful. I’d wear it at a summer food festival or for a girls’ brunch, just because it’s sure to start a conversation.
Marble Magic in Fruit-Toned Brights
If you’ve ever wanted your nails to match a sorbet rainbow, this is the perfect shade for you. You’ll find that every short nail has a different bright color—pink, orange, green or yellow—and some are even dipped in a light gold marble. It’s rich and creamy, like gelato you eat in Capri with a golden spoon. The overall vibe? Chaotic summer joy—but coordinated.
You can get a lot of colorful shades by picking up the Summer Bundle from ILNP. You should use a liner brush with gold foil polish and carefully swirl it over the part of the nail that has dried color. The gold veining doesn’t need to be perfect. In fact, the messier, the better.
This set is a go-to if you’re feeling indecisive. Why decide on one color when you can have a variety? It makes me feel alive—as if I’ve got 5 different moods and every one gets its own nail.
Neon Stripe Remix
A minimalist style is mixed with neon pink and lime in this fresh version of vertical stripes that 2025 fashion is loving. Each nail on a glossy nude base gets a bright fluorescent line running down the middle for maximum effect. The almond shape helps soften the shape, so that the look feels more like a fashion magazine than a sports magazine.
You can get those bright neon colors with OPI’s “Strawberry Margarita” and Le Mini Macaron’s “Lime Light.” If you want neat lines, use nail striping tape or a long liner brush if you’re able.
To do this at home, paint your nude base, wait for it to cure and then add your stripes using gel polish and tape or a striping brush. Should you need to, use acetone to clean the line, cure it and then add a top coat for a glassy appearance. Bold never felt so easy.
You’ll want to match your whole outfit to this bag. Throw on matching earrings, slick your hair back, and you’re instantly styled. If you’re looking for hot summer nails but don’t want to go overboard, these are perfect for you.
Sky Blue Gradient with Rhinestone Waves
This set gives major mermaid-on-vacation energy. Starting with a soft blue from the tip and ending with the base, the ombré effect is reversed on two nails which are nude with rhinestone curves for a bit of glitter. Even with its dreamy and airy design, the square shape ensures the logo looks organized. This look is summer breeze in manicure form.
To bring this to life, I’d go with Beetles Gel Polish “Baby Blue” and a nude builder gel like Apres “Natural Beige”. I used Swarovski Flatbacks SS5 with a wax pencil and sealed them in gel top coat which has held up very well.
To get the melt-effect in this design, you need a sponge or airbrush. My go-to trick? Put both colors on a makeup sponge, dab them on your eyes lightly and seal with a milky top coat for the soft effect.
I tried it on for a bridal shower and wore it for a second week since it went with everything I owned. The tone is gentle, but it’s surprisingly useful for many different situations.
Galaxy Sprinkle with Neon Punch
What makes this so special for me is that it’s a totally unexpected match. Small purple dots on matte lavender nails seem like tiny stars and the bright neon pink and soft blue help balance everything out. The unusual almond shape makes it feel more interesting, yet it’s still a style you can wear. It’s giving alt-girl energy with a pastel twist.
You can use ILNP’s “Lilac Bridges” for that sparkly lavender base. To speckle, take a brush or sponge tip and dot black gel polish on your nails. Add China Glaze “Pink Voltage” and Essie “Butler Please” to complete the look.
It’s best to use different textures and colors together if you give them a common finish and here, the matte effect holds everything together. Don’t skip the matte top coat!
This one takes me back to driving at night and being in a crowd at a concert. I think this might turn into a TikTok favorite, because it looks great but isn’t overly serious.
Sunset Speckle Fade
This almond set looks just like a popsicle—starting with yellow, moving to orange and ending with red, with small black dots like watermelon seeds or a sparkly sunset. The color is strong but softened by the speckles on top. It’s a design that looks great for both poolside and date night.
Use The GelBottle’s “Fluorescent Fire Trio” for those color transitions, and add a dotting tool or speckle polish like Cirque Colors “Speckled” in black for texture. A glossy top coat keeps the whole look juicy.
Let your colors dry or cure before adding speckles on the gradient or the black can spread into the other colors. A silicone tool helps me make the dots exactly where I want them.
I can’t help but think this mani looks good enough for a matching slushie. I was dressed in something like I’d wear to a rooftop barbecue and someone thought it looked like a spicy mango drink. Honestly? That’s exactly the vibe.
Neon Drip on Purple Pop
This one’s for the drama queens and I mean that with love. A bright purple base and 3D pink drip make this look seem almost hot to the touch. The square shape just makes it more appealing—it’s a mix of comic books and street art. A certified head-turner for summer 2025.
Use Essie’s “Play Date” and Bio Seaweed Gel’s “Neon Knockout” over your nail base to set the details above. The best way to use a thicker viscosity builder gel for the 3D drip is to paint it on with a dotting tool and let it settle a bit before curing.
I first noticed this trend on Pinterest and thought I’d give it a try when I was in Miami during a long weekend. It’s artsy, bold, and has major cool-girl flair. It’s not subtle, but that’s kind of the point.
Electric Blue and Lemon Speckle Fade
Now this is neon done right. The blue ombré fades into a neon yellow and the entire collection has black specks that bring both movement and a sharp edge. This short square shape is ideal for wearing every day, but it’s not at all simple. It’s literally buzzing with energy.
You’ll have to use Modelones “Lemonade” and Beetles “Blue Dream” for this recipe. Mix the colors with a sponge and then add black gel polish dots before you cure them. Choose between a matte and gloss finish; either one will suit your mood.
If you’re applying at home, I recommend doing the speckle last on top of your top coat so you can wipe and redo it without ruining the gradient underneath.
It’s the same as having a beach ball, a slushie and fireworks all together. Great for driving on the highway, enjoying a festival or giving you a boost on a Monday.
Tiger Pop Meets Neon Jungle
This set is pure dopamine. The first two nails feature bright purple and blue gradients, like a sunset in the Caribbean and the rest have a neon lime French fade with orange tiger stripes painted by hand. It’s wild, playful, and totally on-brand with the chaotic color romance of 2025. The long square shape? It gives the whole thing a feeling that an editorial shoot is about to happen.
To replicate the vibrant base colors, try Madam Glam’s “Purple Sky” for that ombré and Color Club’s “Feathered” for the lime. The tiger stripes can be done using nail art liner gel in a burnt orange shade—Modelones’ “Tiger Tamer” is perfect. A good nail brush and careful hand will ensure the stripes are visible. Don’t skip the top coat, as it will make your project look finished.
To start, use a sponge to blend purple and blue on the plain color nails. After that, use a soft lime base that fades to nude, cure and draw quick, natural stripes across the top with a liner brush. Don’t overthink the symmetry—nature doesn’t.
It’s like putting on a bright, colorful bikini and dancing at a beach party without shoes. It’s not for the shy, but if you’re in the mood to own the spotlight, this one will do it without a word.
